Euskal Oiloa ( Basque Thread)

[OR4-hmom]

I turned my seven loose for the first time yesterday, while I cleaned out their pen. At first they all hung out as a group, the boys acting together to chase off a few
Blue jays and song birds. I found it interesting that the pullets hung with my favorite boy. Unfortunately he has the worst conformation of the three. The other boys wandered off to explore the garden beds, while the other hung with the girls finding bugs, raking leaves and putting himself between me and the girls when I walked by. I thought for a second he might charge me but no aggression when I got closer to the pullets.

The solo chick from Megan's eggs is getting grey in the hackle area, I need to get a new picture soon.

 

[juststruttin]

Hello Everyone,
I recently purchased two un-sexed basque chicks and wouldn't you know it they are both boys. But I really like these boys and I have decided to keep one so I would like your opinion on which one you would keep and why. Both boys have yellow legs and no sprig on there combs. (They are just over 3 months old)

Front view of Roo 1


Side view of Roo 1


Side view of Roo 2


Front view of Roo 1 (Roo 2 in background)


Roo 2 on left and Roo 1 on right


Roo 1 on right and Roo 2 on left


Front view of Roo 2

I think they are both excellent potential breeders. But from the photos I would go with #2. However, since they are both very close it may come down to temperament. I have had a few nasty Basque roosters so now I am really careful to grow them out until they are old enough to make sure they remain nice boys.

I really like both boys. You are fortunate to have gotten two that are this nice. I grew out over 20 Basque roosters this year (not including the ones culled early for being overly grey or having white legs or ear lobes) and have to say these two boys are just about as nice as they come.


Here are the good points on both:
Legs: Yellow
Ear Lobes: Red
Comb: no springs
Back: Broad
Tail: 45 degree Angle (too young to know for sure but they both look promising


I like #2 more because (from the photos) he seems to have a fuller, deeper chest and his back seems broader. Basque are considered a dual purpose breed so bone structure is very important. You want a good chest that is broad, deep and well rounded for good meat qualities and a broad back for egg production.

Also, It looks like the points in #2's comb are more well defined. #1's comb (from photo) looks like it is mostly blade with no points.

Color: I think they both have nice color but both have a little too much grey in the hackles. However, color is less important at this stage. You've probably heard the expression: Build the barn and then paint it.

 

[Flat Rock farm]

Hmmm... I like #2 better. The one with less black in the hackles. Run them out til at least 30 wks if you can.

Agree, I like Roo# 2. Also I would keep the 2 of them as has been mentioned already, as soon as you re-home one something happens. Been there!!! They do change a lot until the reach maturity so I would wait a bit longer to decide.

 

[Maggiesdad]

Good stuff, juststruttin!


I mentioned the hackle difference because I think tiana mislabeled one of the pics.

Hi FRF!

 

[tiana29]

Thank you Deann for your opinion and for producing these two beautiful boys. I'm going to try and hold onto them for as long as possible (as long as there is peace with my other rooster or until I can sell my other rooster). My broody is still sitting on the 6 basque eggs you gave me and they are due to hatch by Monday so figures crossed I get some beautiful girls to go along with these boys.

 

[Flat Rock farm]

Quote: Hi ya MD

 

[Kikwi]

Not enough pics! Here's my 16 week pullet Inigo in the light of sunset. She's super hard to get a picture of, always moving about.

 

[tiana29]

Well my broody Brahma hatched 4 of the 6 basque eggs plus one of her own. Here she is with her new babies. She had them out with the flock when they were less than 2 4 hours old.

 

[ronott1]

Not enough pics! Here's my 16 week pullet Inigo in the light of sunset. She's super hard to get a picture of, always moving about.

She is gorgeous!

 

[ronott1]

Well my broody Brahma hatched 4 of the 6 basque eggs plus one of her own. Here she is with her new babies. She had them out with the flock when they were less than 2 4 hours old.

Thank you for the hatch update!

They look very healthy and happy. The darker on may be a pullet. I hope your have more though.